Reindeer born at Harpursville animal park

HARPURSVILLE, N.Y. — For the first time, a reindeer calf has been born at Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville.

Four adult reindeer were brought to the park in the fall and, the park noted in a press release, “have, apparently, settled comfortably into their new home.”

The park’s new reindeer calf is a female, and will lighten in color and grow antlers as she gets older.

The calf, birthed April 29 by a reindeer named Blinker and fathered by one named Flash, does not yet have a name of her own. “The Animal Adventure Park team will name her as her personality becomes clearer,” says Jordan Patch, the park’s owner.

The calf was born without assistance from park staff, Patch says, though professionals were standing by if needed.

Reindeer, native to areas in and near the Arctic Circle, thrive in cold conditions. Reindeer, also known as caribou, are also one of the few species of cervid, or deer, in which both male and female animals grow antlers, according to the release.

The park, best known as the home of internet sensation April the Giraffe, said it hopes to continue to grow its herd.

Visitors will be able to see the new reindeer calf, as well as a dozen other baby animals born at the park this spring, when Animal Adventure Park opens for the season May 16.

Contact McChesney at cmchesney@cnybj.com